Democracy in Action: What are your views on the state of the conservative movement?

The conservative movement is strong.  Unfortunately at the moment we don't have a lot of that reflected in our official leaders, the President and the Congress, but I guess that's what conferences like this are for, to make it clear how the base stands.

Democracy in Action: Looking through the possible '08 candidates are there any that have caught your eye?  It's early but do you have some early favorites?

I do.  I don't expect that they're going to do too well, but I guess that's the way conservatives are just like the liberals are in the Democratic base.  Conservatives in the Republican [Party] often like the more pure candidates.  I'm fond of Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas.

Democracy in Action: What about him?

Well of course his social conservativism--pro-life and pro-marriage.  So he's probably my favorite.  Another dark horse candidate who's probably even darker is Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, because I think that's one of the issues that especially the President's straying from the conservative base the worst on, the whole immigration issue.  And of course Rep. Tancredo is strong on that issue.

Democracy in Action: George Allen?

He's alright.  He's probably the best mainstream conservative out there.

Democracy in Action: Rudy Giuliani?

His social issues are going to hurt him.  Despite his attempts to attract people in the South, I think probably right now they're only seeing his stance on crime and security.  I think once they see his social issue positions--

Democracy in Action: Newt Gingrich?

Newt's alright.  He did a pretty good job as Speaker of the House.  He's a good conservative.  I'd support him if he got the nomination.

Democracy in Action: Chuck Hagel?

I kind of like Chuck.  I'm actually one of the few conservatives out there who wasn't in favor of the Iraq War, and Chuck's making some good statements about that.  I think I could go with Chuck, but because of his positions I don't think he's going to go too far.

Democracy in Action: George Pataki?

I don't think he's even going to run, and I wouldn't support him if he did.

Democracy in Action: Why is that?

He's not a conservative at all.  Not only is he socially liberal, but he's fiscally liberal.

Democracy in Action: Mitt Romney?

Well.  He's trying.  At this point I wouldn't support him, because he did at one point say he was pro-choice.  I guess he's changing his mind now but he doesn't have me convinced yet.

Democracy in Action: And Sen. John McCain.

He's not really the conservatives' favorite.  He's not mine either.  He, despite the fact that he makes high profile fights with the right, he does in the end have a pretty good voting record and so I think I'd support him if he got the nomination.  I can't imagine a scenario in which I'd vote for him in a primary.

Democracy in Action: What about him do you like and what causes you concerns?

Well I guess the worst thing about him is the whole McCain-Feingold legislation.  I think that I have some serious concerns about that.  And he seems to just try to find reasons to disagree with the right on different things to do with big government.  But when it comes to the social issues he does have a pretty conservative voting record.

Democracy in Action: Gov. Mike Huckabee?

I like the governor.  I've heard him speak a number of times [at Road to Victory conferences].

Democracy in Action: Is he presidential material?

I think he could do it.  He's been a governor and all.  Being governor of Arkansas, apparently that is enough on your resume to get you elected president.  I like him.  He's a good conservative.
 
 

Copyright © 2006  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action